“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:2

Do you remember that little kids game, “one of these things is not like the other…”?

Lately, I feel like that is my life.

Because the truth of the matter is, the closer that you draw to God, the less like the “world” you become. You begin to think differently, act differently and talk differently. Your view of the world changes and you make different decisions based on different criteria than those of the “masses.”

If you’re not careful, it can be enough to make you question your sanity or at least, question the path you’re on. But the good news is, it’s not only okay to be different… it’s a blessing!

I am not someone special. I am not Mother Teresa or a saint or a pastor. I am just a regular person who has been drawn into a close and amazing relationship with God because I earnestly sought Him. And the cool thing is, when you seek Him… He answers! And you can literally feel Him transforming you from the inside out.

And it’s not all gumdrops and rainbows… a lot of it is difficult. He’ll make you give forgiveness to people you’ve been avoiding, give up addictions or overcome temptations, shed bad habits or defeating beliefs and eventually… see yourself the way He sees you. It’s a pretty amazing process to be a part of.

But it’s not an easy one either. Because the more we think like God, the less we think like the world. That means things that seem important to the world (or at least the modern world) like money, possessions, status or achievement suddenly become very unimportant. While other things like serving others, spending time in prayer and tithing a portion of our income become important.

Decisions are now made based on God’s will for your life, not your own desires or others’ expectations. And sometimes they make you look totally crazy to the world around you – like Noah did with the ark or Abraham did when he had no idea where God was leading him.

But even though you may appear crazy to some, do not worry about conforming to the world. If God is telling you to go to the mission field, go! If He tells you to plant a church, do it! Even if it’s something as simple as starting a food drive for your neighborhood in your garage, do it. Take the step. Have faith and follow God.

Jenn Baxter

Jenn Baxter is an accomplished writer in Charlotte, NC, who has been published in The Charlotte Observer, Fort Mill Times, Charlotte Five, SOCIETY Charlotte Magazine and Lake Norman Magazine, as well as featured as a columnist on Beliefnet.com. Her freelance clients span across the nation, as well as Australia and the UK, in the fashion & beauty, health & wellness, travel and life coaching industries.